UK and European peacekeepers in Ukraine would be allowed to fire back at Russians
Western officials say possible Anglo-French force would also not rely on US systems or technology such as Starlink
TL;DR
- British troops and European allies would be allowed to fire back if attacked by Russians while serving as peacekeepers in Ukraine after a ceasefire.
- The potential Anglo-French led stabilization force would not rely on US systems or technology, such as Elon Musk’s Starlink.
- Exercise Koalicja, an 11-country rehearsal, is taking place in Poland to test how European militaries could deploy rapidly to Ukraine if the war ends.
- The exercise involves 2,800 soldiers, sailors, and aviators, with France supplying 1,500 troops and Britain 300.
- The force is described as 'non-Nato' and expected to have little to no US support if deployed.
- A key aim would be to assist with regenerating and strengthening Ukraine’s military post-war, with troops deploying away from the front lines.
- Plans also include clearing mines in the Black Sea to reopen it for grain exports and other maritime trade, led by Turkey.
- International concerns exist regarding the reliability of US support for allies, highlighted by a recent restriction on Ukraine's use of Starlink's military variant.